THE MRG GROUP BRINGS THE ULTIMATE PARTY PUB EXPERIENCE TO GRANVILLE STREET WITH THE OPENING OF DUBLIN CALLING

Vancouver, B.C. — Whether to watch a game or to play one, Dublin Calling Pub & Kitchen (900 Granville St.) is Vancouver’s newest go-to destination for Pub grub, Pool, Ping Pong, Skee ball and Darts. With 35 big screen TVs, fans can enjoy every match on the field, ice, court, pitch or ring every day of the week. With long communal tables, pitchers and platters, Dublin Calling is the perfect spot to host large groups, office and holiday parties.

“We are really excited to open Dublin Calling in the heart of Vancouver,” says Matt Gibbons, Founder and President, MRG Group “Whether it’s pre-show, post-game or if we are lucky enough to spend a whole night with you, DC is your spot to share the experience of unpretentious fun.”

Owned by the MRG Group (Biltmore Cabaret, The Yale Saloon and Vogue Theatre), the Vancouver location of Dublin Calling is their latest west coast hospitality venture. Taking over the southeast corner of Smithe and Granville, Dublin Calling boasts 5000 square feet with seating for 220. The menu, served 11a.m. until late, features pub classics with a modern twist, such as Irish Nachos and Shepherd’s Pie Bites, along with Traditional Style Dublin Fish and Chips.

Dublin Calling Party Pub & Kitchen is your go-to for Pub grub, Pool, Ping Pong, Skee Ball, Dart lanes, Foosball, Extreme Shot Basketball, BuckHunter and Golden Tee, along with 35 big screen TVs. Broadcasting sports matches of every kind, Dart Lanes and Pool tables can also be reserved every day of the week from 11 a.m. until late. With long communal tables catering to groups of all sizes, pitchers and platters perfect for sharing, and all the fun extras like games, a sound system, DJ and dance floor, Dublin Calling is the perfect spot for office gatherings and parties.

About The MRG Group

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, BC, The Garrick in Winnipeg, MB and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in Toronto, ON. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of positive sharable experiences on a larger scale.

Submissions for JUNOfest 2018 now open

The two-night music festival showcases

Canadian musicians

TORONTO, ON — The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is now accepting artist submissions for JUNOfest 2018, presented by CBC Music. The annual two-night music festival lineup is packed with performances by Canada’s musical talent in venues throughout Vancouver on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 as part of JUNO Week 2018. This year’s JUNOfest will be produced by MRG Concerts.

“MRG Concerts is excited to partner with the JUNO Awards and CARAS for JUNOfest 2018,” Matt Gibbons, MRG Group Founder and President states. “We look forward to all the submissions and showcasing great Canadian talent in Vancouver.”

WHAT:A JUNO Week signature event, JUNOfest 2018 is a two-night music celebration featuring more than 100 artists performing in venues throughout Vancouver. The festival will feature live performances by artists from across Canada, representing the diverse genres of Canadian music. The participating line-up will include local artists to highlight Vancouver’s eclectic and vivacious music scene, 2018 JUNO Award nominees and some of Canada’s best touring acts.

JUNOfest is open to Canadian artists only. A $20 application fee will apply.

JUNOfest will be produced by MRG Concerts.

WHEN: JUNOfest will offer shows at multiple venues across downtown Vancouver on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24.

Premier Partners of the 2018 JUNO Awards: CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, the Province of British Columbia, Creative BC, the City of Vancouver and TD Bank Group.

About CARAS:

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of ongoing opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards, MusiCounts, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and other year-round initiatives. For more information on the 47th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), please visit www.junoawards.ca.

About CBC Music:

CBC Music is Canada’s free digital music service connecting Canadians with the very best in Canadian and international music across all genres. Easy to navigate and available on your smartphone or tablet, CBC Music gives music fans access to over 100 online music streams plus content from the most knowledgeable music personalities and programmers from across the country. www.cbcmusic.ca

About The MRG Group

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, BC, The Garrick in Winnipeg, MB and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in Toronto, ON. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of positive sharable experiences on a larger scale.

THE YALE SALOON COMES OUT ON TOP AS BEST BBQ IN VANCOUVER

The Yale Saloon is known for all things Country, Blues and BBQ. Boasting one of the largest in-house smokers in Vancouver they know a thing or two about cooking up unparalleled southern comfort eats. Specializing in slow-smoked meats marinated in homemade rubs and sauces plus all the fixings you can count on The Yale for BBQ at its finest.

Why not try some saloon eats yourself? Our awesome team are always serving up some southern hospitality, check out the latest!

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, BC, The Garrick in Winnipeg, MB and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in Toronto, ON. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of positive sharable experiences on a larger scale.

WESTWARD MUSIC FESTIVAL LOOKS FORWARD TO 2018

18 SEPTEMBER 2017 (Vancouver, BC) – MRG Concert’sWestward Music Festival is excited to announce, after an incredibly successful debut, the dates for their sophomore year. From September 13 – 16, 2018 downtown Vancouver will once again be taken over by local and international acts that celebrate a myriad of genres at multiple venues.

The turnout for the first ever Westward Music Festival was immense and the performances wowed audiences across the board. From the opening night where Bishop Briggs revelled with the kinetic Vancouver crowd, having Exclaim! Magazine proclaim, “The audience, which overflowed the sides of the theatre, was eating up every moment, screaming “I love you!” in between songs and raising their smartphones up to record cuts like “The Way I Do” and “Wild Horses”’. On the second night of the festival, the raucous energy of PUP and Touché Amoré took The Vogue Theatre by storm. Saturday night saw Vince Staples give “a cinematic performance that enchanted a throbbing and enthusiastic crowd,” Exclaim! also noted. Westward closed with a compelling set at Venue from A Tribe Called Red – music lovers got to experience the best in the craft and partake in the distinct spirit that makes the city of Vancouver so special.

The MRG Group President Matt Gibbons reflects on the festival, “I have been inspired by Vancouver’s music fans, the support from the media and everyone who works at the each venue. Westward has shown that when we all come together, great experiences happen for the whole community. I’d like to thank everyone who came out to support all the fantastic talent and look forward to an even bigger celebration of live music next year with the people of Vancouver.”

With their first year under it’s belt, Westward Music Festival is looking forward to the future and to building a legacy.Stay tuned for announcements regarding the line-up and much more.

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret and The Garrick in the West, Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in the East. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of memorable large-scale events.

Westward Music Festival is supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia.

28 August 2017 (TORONTO, ON) – The MRG Group has named Crispin Giles as Senior Talent Buyer for MRG Concerts to further develop the rapidly growing portfolio of regional and national bookings.

Crispin joins MRG Concerts as an established music-industry professional with over 20 years of programming and promotion experience and 10 years in executive level leadership roles directing large-scale, internationally-renowned Canadian music festivals. Crispin has previously held the positions of Festival Manager of Canadian Music Week, as well as Creative Director at both NXNE and FoRMS Festival in Toronto.

“Crispin’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to The MRG Group,” says Matthew Gibbons, The MRG Group President. “MRG Concerts’ increasing growth in both the number of venues we run and shows booked per year, lead us to look for an addition to the team and I am confident that Crispin will play a key role in providing and implementing high level experiences for both artists and venue guests.”

Effective immediately, Crispin will be stationed out of MRG Concerts Vancouver office and can be reached at crispin@mrgconcerts.com.

About The MRG Group

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, BC, The Garrick in Winnipeg, MB and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in Toronto, ON. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of positive sharable experiences on a larger scale.

THE MRG GROUP TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF THE GARRICK IN WINNIPEG

11 August 2017 – The MRG Group is excited to announce the takeover of The Garrick effective immediately. The MRG Group is committed to run the multi-room event venue as a premiere destination in Canada for music and entertainment. All announced shows will continue as scheduled, listings below.

“The MRG Group and I are thrilled to keep music and event programming alive at The Garrick in Winnipeg. We plan to bring elevated entertainment to a venue beloved by the city,” states Matt Gibbons, President of The MRG Group. “We also look forward to shaking things up a bit and will be announcing updates later in the year.”

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning and operating a total of 8 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, BC, The Garrick in Winnipeg, MB and Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in Toronto, ON. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of positive sharable experiences on a larger scale.

THE SECOND WAVE OF THE WESTWARD MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

VANCOUVER WILL HOST BISHOP BRIGGS, GRANDSON, COUSIN STIZZ, CLAIRMONT THE SECOND, AND MORE AS A PART OF THE MULTI-GENRE, MULTI-VENUE MUSIC FEST

29 JUNE 2017 (Vancouver, BC) – MRG Concerts has announced the second wave of performers who will take over the city of Vancouver from September 14 – 17. Bishop Briggs, Grandson, Cousin Stizz, and Clairmont The Second are just a sampling of the new list of stellar artists to join the fest’s debut roster. Presented by MRG Concerts, the tickets will go on sale July 4 at 12 p.m. PST – the full line-up and ticket info can be accessed HERE.

Westward Music Festival, will be a celebration of Vancouver and all the wonderful things the city has to offer. Taking place across multiple venues in the heart of the downtown core, the four-day event is a one-of-a kind celebration of the spirit of Vancouver and its world-famous music scene. From international talents, to local superstars and homegrown heroes – Westward Music Festival hopes to weave the diverse fabric of the city together with a musical party like none other. The multi-award winning and critically acclaimed Dear Rouge are set to perform, and are looking forward to being a part of the hometown festivities; “We are so proud to be Vancouverites! It’s one of our favorite places in the world and we get to call it home. We are so excited to play the inaugural Westward Music Festival. It’s the best playing in a city you love!”

Joining Dear Rouge on the roster is the extraordinary Bishop Briggs with her debut Vancouver performance. Her infectious hit “River” took the music world by storm and garnered the LA based Brit rave reviews, the top spot on Hype Machine and a touring slot with Coldplay. With her announce comes Grandson. Calling Toronto’s rock-rap king a genius is putting it lightly, the 23-year old is quickly becoming a musical phenomenon – all one needs to do is listen to his track “Bills” and they’ll understand. Clairmont The Second has been hailed by the CBC as “the next big hip-hop hope”, based in Toronto the 19 year-old MC has released over four full-length projects and toured Canada with SonReal – in a few months time, all will be converging on Vancouver’s city centre.

Founder and The MRG Group President, Matt Gibbons, wanted to incorporate great tunes with the vibe of the city. “Vancouver is such an important part of this festival. We look forward to adding to the vibrancy of not only the music community but to the city as a whole. It was important to us that Westward brings together notable international acts alongside celebrating the incredible local talent from within.” With the festival incorporating 15 live events, all within a 2.5km radius of one another – and with iconic venues such as The Vogue Theatre, Biltmore Cabaret and even The Red Truck Brewery taking part in the celebration – this will be a fest for the record books.

Westward Music Festival’s media sponsors are 102.7 THE PEAK, The Georgia Straight, and Do604.

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning a total of 7 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in the West, Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in the East. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of memorable large-scale events.

Westward Music Festival

The four-day event acts as a one-of-a kind celebration of the spirit of Vancouver and its world-class music scene

First wave of the line-up announced today

31 May 2017 (Vancouver, B.C) – MRG Concerts presents Westward Music Festival, which features some of the today’s most influential music acts performing live at multiple venues in downtown Vancouver from September 14 to 17. Festival passes and individual tickets are available now via Ticketfly.

Celebrating the spirit of Vancouver and it’s world-class music scene, the festival is comprised of 15 live music events with multi-genre line-ups all taking place within a 2.5km radius of one another. Participating venues include the Vogue Theatre (open to all ages), Biltmore Cabaret, The Imperial Theatre and Fox Cabaret, with a two-day outdoor event at the Red Truck Brewery back lot.

“MRG is very excited to bring Westward Music Festival to downtown Vancouver this September. As with the Vogue Theatre and The Biltmore Cabaret, our goal is to continue to grow with the already incredible Vancouver music scene,” Matt Gibbons, President and Founder of The MRG Group remarks. “With Westward Fest’s wide-range of acts, I am personally looking forward to attendees curating their own weekend schedules, catching favourite acts and discovering new ones along the way.”

In line with the city of Vancouver’s values, Westward Music Festival will not only bring an eclectic mix of music to the public, but will also aim to be viable for both the city and it’s businesses.

In operation since 2008, with the reopening of the historic Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in Canada. Owning a total of 7 properties across the country, the group’s preeminent venues include: Vogue Theatre, The Yale Saloon and Biltmore Cabaret in the West, Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon, The Porch, Dublin Calling and Adelaide Hall in the East. MRG Concerts developed as an amplification of it’s entertainment branch and has since established itself as an industry-leading promotion company producing over 400 shows per year. The Group’s latest initiative, MRG Events was introduced in 2017 to advance the creation of memorable large-scale events.